About Us News & Media ISE Cancels Call on Japan; Alternative Port Announced ISE Cancels Call on Japan; Alternative Port Announced
(UPDATE) March 17, 2011: The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), in consultation with sources from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the U.S. Department of State, global risk agency ASI Group, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Spring 2011 voyage administration and faculty, has decided to replace its call to Japan with a four-day stop in Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan. ISE continues to monitor the ongoing situation and will make any other necessary changes as needed. The NRC has dispatched nuclear experts in Japan and currently reports that radiation concerns are limited to the proximity of Fukushima. According to the NRC and other authorities, upcoming ports of calls in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taiwan, and Hawaii are not considered to be at risk for any radiation exposure, due to their geographic distance from northern Japan. Currently, ISE is determining logistical arrangements and a field program for Taiwan, which will be posted to the current voyage website as soon as confirmed. Pending final confirmation, the expected arrival date in Taiwan will be April 4 and the departure will be April 7. The remainder of the itinerary remains unchanged.
March 14, 2011: The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), in consultation with our shipboard administration, has resolved to cancel the Spring 2011 Semester at Sea voyage's call to Kobe and Yokohama, Japan on April 4 and April 7 respectively. This decision follows our careful assessment of the conditions in Japan which raise serious concerns about health and safety as well as concerns that our visit would impede relief efforts currently underway. Our assessment also takes into consideration a recent travel warning for Japan issued by the U.S. State Department. Currently, ISE and senior voyage officials are evaluating alternative ports in consideration of safety, logistics, and maximum value to the academic and field programs. Thank you for your patience during this complex process. A revised voyage itinerary will be announced on the SAS website in the next 48-72 hours. Participants who have signed up for ISE-sponsored field trips in Japan will be reimbursed.
